Why do weeds need to be separated from greenwaste before it is taken to the Tamworth Waste Management Facility?
Weeds need to be separated from greenwaste for the following reasons:
- to comply with NSW EPA organic diversion requirements
- to manage weeds and invasive species more effectively when they are recieved onsite
- to manage weeds and invasive species more effectively while they're processed
- to allow for necessary operational changes to the processing and management of greenwaste onsite
- to produce a better quality mulch product that meets the Australian Mulch Standard
- to improve the management and recovery of contamination being received in greenwaste currenlty being experienced
- to assist with education of weeds or invasive species Bio Security obligations in the Tamworth region.
Can residents still put weeds in their green lid bin?
Yes, residents can still put greenwaste into their green lid bin. These changes only apply if you plan to self-haul greenwaste to the landfill.
What happens to the weeds or invasive species when they go to landfill?
Weeds and invasive are manually sorted from the three (3) categories (mostly from the grass clippings and weeds).
Weeds and invasive species like cacti varieties and prickly pear are taken out and put into landfill. Some weeds and invasive species need to be treated differently to others to make sure they breakdown properly. Oleander, and plants that are in contact with it, take longer to breakdown due to the acids in it.
Most weeds and invasive species are able to breakdown following the regular treatment process.
Do you get fined if you don't separate your weeds?
No, residents won't get fined if they don't separate their greenwaste. Residents may be reminded by staff that there are changes at landfill and that they are required to separate their greenwaste into the following categories:
- Grass clippings and weeds/invasive species plants
- Tree and shrub clippings
- Large stumps
Will someone be available to help identify weeds at the landfill?
Council staff in the greenwaste disposal area will not be able to assist with weed identification onsite.
It is suggested that residents assess their greenwaste prior to loading their vehicle or trailer and refer to Council's list of Weeds and Invasive Species (PDF 1.4MB) common to the Tamworth area.
I don't know how to identify a weed, how do I do this?
Council has identified some common Weeds and Invasive Species (PDF 1.4MB) that can be found in the Tamworth Regional Council area.
There are various resources available that can be used to identify weeds or invasive species. A list of resources is listed below: